Devices and processes for nucleic acid extraction

Abstract

Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

1 . A device comprising:
 (i) a body member having a plurality of external surfaces and fabricated to contain a continuous fluid pathway therethrough, the pathway comprising:
 a first port; 
 a second port; and 
 a binding channel intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port, wherein the binding channel is open to one of the external surfaces of the body member; and 
   (ii) a glass member affixed to said one of the external surfaces of the body member to provide a first unmodified flat glass surface in fluid communication with the binding channel, wherein the binding channel and glass member define a binding chamber effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids and wherein the fluid pathway is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid pathway further comprises:
 a first channel connecting the first port with the binding chamber; and   a second channel connecting the second port with the binding chamber.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the binding channel is open to a second of the external surfaces of the body member and wherein the device further comprises a second glass member affixed to the second external surface of the body member to provide a second unmodified flat glass surface in fluid communication with the binding channel. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first port or the second port comprises a Luer-lock fitting, an O-ring, a gasket, a tubing stub, or an elastomeric septum. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the binding chamber comprises a serpentine channel. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the serpentine channel is planar. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the binding chamber is rectangular in cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a pump in fluid communication with one of the ports. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  further comprising fluid distribution control means in fluid communication with the pump. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the fluid distribution control means comprises a programmable computer. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fluid pathway further comprises:
 a distribution channel in fluid communication with the binding channel; and 
 a plurality of capillary channels in fluid communication with the distribution channel distal to the binding channel. 
 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  further comprising a plurality of assay wells, wherein each of the assay wells is in fluid communication with one of the capillary channels. 
     
     
         13 . A process for extracting nucleic acid from a biological sample comprising:
 introducing a nucleic acid-containing sample into the binding chamber of the device of  claim 1  via one of the ports;   allowing nucleic acid in the sample to bind to the unmodified flat glass surface;   washing the binding chamber to remove contaminants; and   eluting bound nucleic acid from the unmodified flat glass surface.   
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13  further comprising lysing a cell sample to prepare the nucleic acid-containing sample. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 13  wherein the nucleic acid is DNA. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 13  wherein bound nucleic acid is eluted with a buffer containing a fluorescent compound that exhibits a change in fluorescence intensity in the presence of nucleic acids. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 13  comprising the additional step of amplifying the eluted nucleic acid. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 13  further comprising drying the washed binding chamber prior to eluting the bound nucleic acid. 
     
     
         19 . A process for extracting nucleic acid from a biological sample comprising:
 introducing a nucleic acid-containing sample into the binding chamber of the device of  claim 1  via one of the ports;   allowing nucleic acid in the sample to bind to the unmodified flat glass surface;   washing the binding chamber to remove contaminants; and   drying the washed binding chamber.   
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the nucleic acid is RNA. 
     
     
         21 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the nucleic acid-containing sample comprises ethanol at a concentration of 10% to 60%. 
     
     
         22 . The process of  claim 21  wherein the ethanol concentration is 20% to 50%. 
     
     
         23 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the nucleic acid-containing sample comprises a proteolytic enzyme. 
     
     
         24 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the nucleic acid is allowed to bind to the unmodified flat glass surface for a period of from five minutes to thirty minutes. 
     
     
         25 . A kit comprising:
 the device of  claim 1 ; and   a buffer in a sealed container, wherein the buffer is a lysis buffer, a wash buffer, or an elution buffer.